Love You Always

“I enjoy long walks down the road now,” I tease him. We all built together. It was actually kind of fun. The kids got to pick out their room layouts and I got to build a dream home for my family. My man did all of this for me. For us. I still can’t believe I tried to give him the slip all those years ago.

He pulls out a chair from the small table that he must have brought in for us to dine at. I lean my head back, wanting a kiss first. His hand goes to my stomach as he gives me what I want before I sit down.

“How are things at Connecting Love?” Ethan had a meeting this morning. I was supposed to go, but our youngest was a touch clingy this morning and I couldn't bring myself to leave my little angel, so Ethan went without me. I knew he would handle it. As much as I’d jumped into the world of foster systems and adoptions, he’s been right by my side doing as much as either of us could.

There are so many great organizations out there but there is something special about Connecting Love that pulled me right in. It might have been the two little twin boys that are now our sons that got my attention that first day we went there. But it was more than that, too; it was how much the organization was doing for the children that had Ethan and me pitching in as much as we could.

We have not only pledged our money but our time too. It’s easy to throw money at things, but I am a firm believer in putting in the work to make a real difference. I, of all people, understand what the children go through every day. All of the emotions they experience and the small glimmer of hope that they hold on to, hoping they will one day be loved.

I never want a child to question that they are loved. While I won’t be able to help all of them, I know that what Ethan and I are doing through Connecting Love will make a difference in many children's lives.

“Everything is moving along on schedule. Everyone missed you this morning. All of the children were asking about you.” That brings a smile to my face. It will bring a bigger one once I get them placed with a family that can give them everything they need.

“You’re too far away from me.” He’s up in a flash, picking me up and putting me into his lap. He nuzzles his head into my neck, breathing me in. It never gets old how much he misses me even when he’s only gone a few hours.

“I love you, dollface.”

I pull back looking down at him. “I love you, too.” His hand rests over my stomach as I lean down to kiss him. He’s still my forever and so much more.

Love in the Mix

1

Sean

My head snaps up when the sound of blasting music fills my office. The door falls closed behind Amber as she enters. Once it’s shut, there's silence once again. I’ve never been more thankful for making a soundproof room. It is the only way that I can get any work done when the club is actually open.

Still, my head pounds from listening to the madness all day. I should go home but something has me rooted in my office. I decide I’ll wait for the club to close and then I’ll leave. It’s not as though there's anything waiting for me at home. Just an empty house.

“Aren't you going to come out and celebrate?” Amber is one of the hosts at Club Vine. She fills in as my second assistant when Noah leaves for the day. My days run so long I have to have two assistants in order to keep myself sane.

“No.” I go back to answering emails, not caring that it’s two in the morning. I wish the time would go faster. I am ready to leave. I am the boss—not only that, but I own the freaking place. I could leave whenever I wanted to but still, no dice. I keep on sitting and waiting, trying to fill my time with menial tasks.

My brother Ethan might have a point about me being obsessed with work, but I’m not ready to admit that yet. It’s easy for him to say when he has Amelia to lure him home every night. Although my bed is enticing, it always being empty is not.

I don't even know why I’m complaining about being here. If I go home I’ll be doing the same thing I’ve done this whole month. I’ll lie in bed trying to figure out why I suddenly feel as though a hole has formed inside my chest. I thought it was because I was closing in on owning all my clubs myself.